U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) announced Sunday night that American troops conducted a new wave of offensive strikes targeting dozens of sites in Iran aimed at degrading the country's ability to attack international shipping traversing the Strait of Hormuz. The operation, which involved fighter jets, naval vessels, and drones, struck air defense systems, coastal radar sites, and missile and drone facilities.
CENTCOM stated that the Strait of Hormuz is a vital maritime corridor for global trade and that Iran does not control it. The U.S. military released video footage depicting fighter jets launching from aircraft carriers and bombs detonating at various locations. The statement emphasized that U.S. forces are prepared to ensure freedom of navigation for commercial shipping, despite what it described as Iran's continued aggression and threats.
Iranian state media confirmed explosions in several locations on Monday, reporting at least one fatality. Iran responded by launching retaliatory strikes against Gulf countries it accused of aiding the United States. Tehran asserted control over the Strait of Hormuz, through which approximately one-fifth of the world's oil supply passes, with the paramilitary Revolutionary Guard stating, "The Strait of Hormuz is our territory, and we will not allow a rogue and child-killing army from the other side of the world to continue its illegal interference in it."
This escalation follows a recent incident where Iranian forces attacked a container ship, the M/V GFS Galaxy, in the Strait of Hormuz, causing significant engine room damage and leaving one crew member missing. U.S. military officials identified the vessel as Cyprus-flagged. Oman's maritime authority reported rescuing 23 crew members, while India's foreign ministry confirmed the missing crew member was an Indian national. Secretary of War Pete Hegseth vowed retaliation for the strike.
In response to the attack on the M/V GFS Galaxy, the U.S. military previously struck approximately 140 targets in Iran, including missile and drone launch sites and ammunition dumps. President Donald Trump commented on the strikes, stating to NBC's Meet the Press, "We bombed the hell out of them last night."
Iran's response included attacks on Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, Jordan, and Oman. Missile alert sirens were heard in Bahrain, home to the U.S. Navy's 5th Fleet, and Kuwaiti air defenses reportedly engaged incoming threats. Jordan confirmed intercepting four missiles within its airspace.
The Strait of Hormuz has been a focal point of ongoing negotiations. Iranian officials maintain their sole authority to control the waterway and have advocated for ships to use a northern route through their territorial waters. The U.S. military has supported vessels traveling along a southern route near Oman's coast, which has drawn repeated attacks from Iran.
United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres expressed concerns about a potential return to full-scale hostilities, warning of catastrophic consequences. The recent attacks have already impacted oil prices, with U.S. crude oil futures and Brent futures seeing increases.
Diplomatic efforts are continuing, with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi meeting with his Omani counterpart to discuss mechanisms for ensuring safe passage of ships. Pakistani officials also reported their foreign minister urged de-escalation in a call with Iran's top diplomat.
Earlier on Friday, President Trump had stated on Truth Social that the ceasefire was over, despite ongoing negotiations. Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei subsequently released a statement vowing to avenge the deaths of martyrs from recent conflicts.